What does ‘SOS Only’ mean on an iPhone
SOS Only is one of the statuses on iPhone when you can’t make regular calls or messages. As it blocks all the network services. “How to fix sos only on iPhone?” is one of the most common questions on the internet. The SOS Only status is clearly visible on the right corner of the control center in iOS 17/16. This status appears in the top left corner in older versions.
However, in certain areas like the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia you can still use Emergency SOS to call emergency numbers.
But the most common question is, “Why does this SOS-only error occur?”
It occurs because of the following reasons:-
- Either you are not in the network coverage area.
- Either you are having a problem with network reception
- It can also happen when you use the old device
- Or is it because of an inactive cellular plan
Fixing “SOS Only” error on iPhone
Now that we know the problems that can lead to this error, we are already halfway through resolving the issue. Let’s look at some of the ways to solve this SOS-only issue.
Enable Data Roaming
- Go to settings
- Navigate to cellular/Mobile Data settings
- Enable Data roaming if you are travelling out of the station
By following these steps, data roaming has started and it delivers a network connection. This will turn off SOS Only on your iPhone. While the data roaming charges are extra.
Update Carrier Settings
Another method for “how to fix sos only on iPhone?” is updating the carrier settings. Cellular carriers often bring updates to enhance connectivity and network performance. However, this happens automatically. But you can keep a check by going to the cellular settings in the iPhone manually. These updates can potentially restore the iPhone to normal status.
Restart the Cellular Data
The old way of Turning things off and restarting it has worked for centuries and SOS Only is no exception. You can simply turn off the data and re-enable it again.
If your cellular carrier is 5G, this might become a problem as most of the service providers are still working on 5G. To fix it you can use the 4G or auto mode.
Turn on/off Airplane Mode
Another method to restart your wireless connection is by putting your iPhone in airplane mode. Switching airplane mode on and off quickly restarts the network connection. It is one of the easiest answers to “how to fix sos only on iPhone?”
Restart Automatic Network Selection
The automatic network selection setting helps SIM to connect to the best available network. While it takes time to search and get connected to the most appropriate one. In order to fix this issue, just turn it off and restart it.
Reinsert SIM card
Often, the issue is associated with SIM cards. To resolve it you can take the SIM out and re-insert it after cleaning it. However, if you are using eSIM, you should not reset it unless the network provider suggests it.
Reset Network Settings on iPhone
If none of the previously discussed methods helped you in fixing the error, you can forget all the connections and set it again. By removing all the saved network-related data, you may also be able to erase the SOS Only status.
Follow the below-given steps to erase all the connections
- Go to Settings → click on General.
- Toggle down and click on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Go Reset → select Reset Network Settings.
- Now, fill in the passcode.
- Next, select Reset Network Settings.
Upgrade Your Network
SOS Only might also appear due to the 3G network. As the wider availability of 5G and 4G has resulted in the discontinuation or shutdown of 3G. In this case, the following devices may face SOS Only:
- iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, or earlier
- iPad 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular or earlier
This is the best tip for “how to fix sos only on iphone 14?”
Check for an Outage
The outage is a common phenomenon in network services. The network outage occurs because of maintenance, damaged cell towers, traffic overload, and other factors. In the case of an outage, your iPhone may face an SOS issue. However, you can fix it. You just have to wait for your network provider to re-enable it.
Update Your iPhone
If you have not updated your iPhone with the latest version, then you should update it. Updating the iPhone helps in removing the bug or any virus that could have interrupted the network.
Reset Your iPhone
If updating the iPhone doesn’t work, you should reset your iPhone. It is one of the last options to fix SOS-only errors.
Final Line On “How To Fix SOS Only On iPhone?”
Even after resetting the iPhone, the problem stays; you should contact Apple Support or visit the nearest Apple service centre. The Apple professionals will help you get rid of the problem. They will suggest you replace the current SIM. If there is any technical issue with the iPhone, they will fix it.
SOS Only is a network-related error in iPhone that interrupts the cellular network. If your iPhone is in SOS Only status, you can’t make calls or send messages. But worry not we have the 12 ways for how to fix sos only on iPhone.
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